Statin-associated weakness in myasthenia gravis: A case report

Abstract

Introduction. Myasthenia gravis is a commonly undiagnosed condition in the elderly. Statin medications can cause weakness and are linked to the development and deterioration of several autoimmune conditions, including myasthenia gravis. Case presentation. We report the case of a 60-year-old Caucasian man who presented with acute onset of dysarthria and dysphagia initially attributed to a brain stem stroke. Oculobulbar and limb weakness progressed until myasthenia gravis was diagnosed and treated, and until statin therapy was finally withdrawn. Conclusion. Myasthenia gravis may be underappreciated as a cause of acute bulbar weakness among the elderly. Statin therapy appeared to have contributed to the weakness in our patient who was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. © 2010 Keogh et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.